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Entrepreneur
27-05-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
The Productivity Lie: Why Time Management Fails — and What Actually Works
You've color-coded your calendar and followed high performers' morning routines. You've also downloaded the latest apps to 'optimize' your time and read productivity books. You even blocked your day into... This story originally appeared on Calendar You've color-coded your calendar and followed high performers' morning routines. You've also downloaded the latest apps to 'optimize' your time and read productivity books. You even blocked your day into 15-minute intervals. And yet, despite all this, you still feel behind. The more plans you make, the more burned out you become. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. You've just been sold the wrong solution. I will tell you the hard truth: most time management advice fails. It's not that you lack discipline, but that the entire concept is based on a false premise — that time can be controlled. The thing is, you can't. Despite our best efforts, time moves forward regardless of how well we plan. But you can control where and how you focus your attention, manage your energy, and what matters most to you. In this post, let's uncover five powerful time-management strategies that actually work, based on real-world constraints rather than idealized routines. Why Time Management Feels Like a Scam The traditional productivity toolkit promises control by better scheduling, tighter planning, and harder work. Unfortunately, the message is always the same: You aren't succeeding because you don't have the right system yet. Life, however, cannot be programmed. Occasionally, an emergency occurs. You'll experience energy dips. Over time, your priorities will change. A rigid time management system ignores these variables. If reality disrupts your schedule, it can make you feel like you've failed. Not because you were doing anything wrong but trying to fit your life into a system built on unrealistic expectations. Even worse? It is common for time management systems to confuse activity with progress. Despite checking 20 things off your list, you are no closer to what really matters. After all, that's not productivity. That's busywork. Ultimately, the problem is not time. It's your misalignment of time, energy, attention, and goals. So what does real productivity look like? Well, let's find out. Shift #1: Manage Your Energy, Not the Clock We tend to force ourselves to work like machines most of the time. Like clockwork, we're expected to maintain a steady output between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. You are not a machine. As a human being, you experience natural highs and lows throughout the day, which traditional time blocking does not account for. The solution? Rather than working around the arbitrary divisions of the clock, plan your workday according to your natural peaks and troughs by; Identify your peak performance windows. Take note of when you feel focused and energized most consistently. Reserve your prime hours for your most important, high-value work, which requires deep concentration and creative thinking. Take note of when you feel focused and energized most consistently. Reserve your prime hours for your most important, high-value work, which requires deep concentration and creative thinking. Strategically utilize low-energy periods. Be aware of your natural dips in energy. Instead of focusing on deep work during these times, use them for less demanding activities such as administrative work, email processing, routine communication, and breaks. Be aware of your natural dips in energy. Instead of focusing on deep work during these times, use them for less demanding activities such as administrative work, email processing, routine communication, and breaks. Prioritize real recovery. The purpose of breaks isn't just to scroll through social media passively or check emails halfheartedly. For a genuine recovery, they are crucial. If time allows, take a break from your work, go for a walk, stretch mindfully, or take a nap. Your energy reserves can be replenished to sustain your productivity. Aligning your tasks with your natural energy cycles will result in more meaningful work with less effort, even if you ultimately spend fewer hours 'working.' Shift #2: Ruthlessly Prioritize What Matters There is a tendency to treat every task on your list equally regarding time management. I disagree with that. Some tasks move the needle, but in most cases, they don't. In other words, being productive doesn't mean doing more. It's about focusing on what matters and letting go of everything else. The solution? Keep a sharp eye for prioritization, constantly assessing the value and necessity of any task you are considering. Try asking yourself these questions; What actions will lead to the greatest progress towards my goals? Choose those activities that will have the most significant impact on 'needle-moving.'. Choose those activities that will have the most significant impact on 'needle-moving.'. What tasks can only I do? Invest your time and energy in developing your unique skills and responsibilities. If a task can be handled effectively by others or is not essential, delegate it or eliminate it. Invest your time and energy in developing your unique skills and responsibilities. If a task can be handled effectively by others or is not essential, delegate it or eliminate it. Is there anything I can completely eliminate, automate using technology, or delegate so I can focus on higher-level activities? Don't be afraid to prune your commitments ruthlessly. The above can be accomplished using the 1-3-5 Rule. Every day, consciously identify and commit to completing; 1 big thing. The most important and high-impact task of the day. The most important and high-impact task of the day. 3 medium things. These tasks require focused effort but are not as critical as your 'big thing.' These tasks require focused effort but are not as critical as your 'big thing.' 5 small things. Tasks that are quick and don't require a lot of effort, but still need to be done. Using this simple framework, you can make conscious choices about what deserves your limited time and energy. After all, embracing constraint breeds clarity and compels you to focus on what is important. Shift #3: Build Resilient Systems, Not Rigid Schedules Often, schedules fall apart when life doesn't go according to plan. Instead of micromanaging every hour, build simple systems that help you stay grounded and intentional, no matter what comes your way. The solution? Instead of focusing on rigid schedules, consider the resilience of systems. Even when your day deviates from plan, systems ensure that the right things happen consistently. To optimize your productivity and overall well-being, you should set up the following systems: Implement a weekly review. Set aside a specific time every week to step back, review your progress, and realign your priorities. Set aside a specific time every week to step back, review your progress, and realign your priorities. Establish a morning focus ritual. At the beginning of the day, develop a routine that centers your intention, prepares your mind for focused work, and sets a positive tone. You can do this through mindful meditation, journaling, or reviewing your top priorities. At the beginning of the day, develop a routine that centers your intention, prepares your mind for focused work, and sets a positive tone. You can do this through mindful meditation, journaling, or reviewing your top priorities. Develop a consistent shutdown routine. Reviewing your accomplishments, planning for the following day, and mentally disconnecting from work at the end of the day will promote better sleep and a clearer transition from work to home life. Systems automate key processes and create habits that drive consistent progress. They reduce the constant need to make decisions, allowing daily life to be weathered on a stable foundation. Shift #4: Guard Your Attention Like a Fortress There is no resource more valuable than your attention. All the time, the world would be useless without it. However, you're constantly attacked by notifications, social media, emails, Slack, and other distractions. The solution? Attention is a non-renewable asset, so you must treat it accordingly. You can do this by implementing robust strategies to shield your attention from distracting factors; Declare notification bankruptcy. Be sure to turn off all unnecessary notifications on your phone, computer, and other devices. Even if you ignore every buzz and ping, the world won't end. Be sure to turn off all unnecessary notifications on your phone, computer, and other devices. Even if you ignore every buzz and ping, the world won't end. Batch your communication. Schedule specific, limited times throughout the day to check and respond to emails and messages. Also, do not obsessively monitor your inbox. Schedule specific, limited times throughout the day to check and respond to emails and messages. Also, do not obsessively monitor your inbox. Employ focus-enhancing tools. For example, use applications such as Freedom or Cold Turkey to block distracting websites and apps during your designated focus periods. For example, use applications such as Freedom or Cold Turkey to block distracting websites and apps during your designated focus periods. Work in focused sprints. Concentrate on 25—to 50-minute focus sessions followed by genuine breaks using techniques like the Pomodoro Technique. This will train your brain to maintain attention and minimize mental fatigue. In a world that competes for your attention, it's your most valuable asset. As such, guard it fiercely and intentionally. Shift #5: Redefine Success Daily The relentless pursuit of 'more' is one of the most insidious aspects of traditional productivity culture. There is seldom a sense of accomplishment. Despite being technically productive, this constant striving can cause a pervasive feeling of inadequacy. The solution? Be sure to include non-work accomplishments when defining a successful day for you. Be specific, realistic, and acknowledge progress in all aspects of your life. Here are some examples of daily success definitions; 'Write 500 meaningful words for my article.' 'Have a distraction-free dinner with my family.' 'Complete one challenging sales call with my full focus and presence.' As a result of this practice, you end each day feeling progress and satisfaction that transcends mere task completion. In the absence of fulfillment, productivity is hollow. What Truly Works: Building a Life Aligned with Your Values Let go of the endless pursuit of optimizing every minute. Instead, address the core of how you want to live by asking deeper, more meaningful questions; What is it that I truly desire more time for in my life? Is there something, someone, or some pursuit that truly fulfills you in life? Is there something, someone, or some pursuit that truly fulfills you in life? Is there anything I am currently engaged in that does not serve my well-being or goals? Allow yourself to let go of what no longer aligns with your values. Allow yourself to let go of what no longer aligns with your values. How would I like my days to feel and flow? Don't just think about your completed tasks, but your ideal daily experience. You should then reverse-engineer your life to reflect those answers. Perhaps this means intentionally working fewer hours to prioritize family time. Maybe it means stepping away from a draining project to make room for more meaningful work. Or, consider protecting your mornings for deep, creative work and your evenings for restful sleep. In traditional time management, you squeeze more into already full containers. To be truly productive, you need to curate the contents of that container with wisdom and intention — doing less, but better. Final Thought: Trade Control for Clarity By chasing control, traditional time management sells you confusion. Although you fill your day with well-planned tasks, you wonder what you accomplished by the end of the week. The better path? Don't try to control the clock. Instead, prioritize your energy, priorities, and values. Focus on what truly matters rather than trying to accomplish more. Ultimately, that's more than just productivity — doing what matters — it's progress with a purpose. When I begin to get tired of my usual productivity quest, I move to ruthlessly pruning my schedule and controlling my clarity. Sometimes it helps to switch things up. FAQs Why does traditional time management often fail? There are several key reasons why traditional time management fails; It treats time as a controllable, linear resource. Time is a constant, and how we perceive and experience it depends on numerous factors, including energy levels, our focus, and external demands. We cannot 'manage' time itself; we can only manage our actions. Time is a constant, and how we perceive and experience it depends on numerous factors, including energy levels, our focus, and external demands. We cannot 'manage' time itself; we can only manage our actions. Quantity is prioritized over quality. More often than not, the focus is on doing more in less time rather than on the work's impact and value. As a result, you may feel busy without really being productive. More often than not, the focus is on doing more in less time rather than on the work's impact and value. As a result, you may feel busy without really being productive. Many time management systems ignore the human element. They ignore the unpredictable nature of life, the ebb and flow of energy, and the importance of rest, connection, and reflection. Our bodies are not machines that can be optimized. the human element. They ignore the unpredictable nature of life, the ebb and flow of energy, and the importance of rest, connection, and reflection. Our bodies are not machines that can be optimized. Stress and anxiety can be increased by it. As we constantly strive to be more efficient and adhere to rigid schedules, we can feel guilt and failure when we deviate from them. It is also possible to become stressed out when trying to achieve perfect time management. As we constantly strive to be more efficient and adhere to rigid schedules, we can feel guilt and failure when we deviate from them. It is also possible to become stressed out when trying to achieve perfect time management. The focus is often on the wrong things. It's easy to spend way too much time organizing tasks that aren't important, and neglect the deeper work that really makes a difference. It's easy to spend way too much time organizing tasks that aren't important, and neglect the deeper work that really makes a difference. The underlying issues are not addressed. Time management techniques cannot solve the problem of low productivity resulting from unclear priorities, fear of failure, or perfectionism. What should we focus on if we can't 'manage' time instead? The most effective approach involves managing our attention, energy, and priorities instead of trying to control the uncontrollable. Specifically, this involves; Attention management. Engaging deeply with the task at hand by cultivating focus and minimizing distractions. The key here is to be present in the moment. Engaging deeply with the task at hand by cultivating focus and minimizing distractions. The key here is to be present in the moment. Energy management involves identifying your natural energy cycles and scheduling your most demanding tasks at those times. Rest and recovery must also be prioritized to avoid burnout. involves identifying your natural energy cycles and scheduling your most demanding tasks at those times. Rest and recovery must also be prioritized to avoid burnout. Priority management. This involves consciously deciding where to invest your limited resources. You should focus your time and energy on activities that align with your values and goals. What are some practical alternatives to strict time management techniques? These flexible, human-centered approaches are more suitable than rigid schedules and endless to-do lists; Time blocking with flexibility. Rather than a minute-by-minute schedule, break your day up into broader blocks of time, allowing for some flexibility. Rather than a minute-by-minute schedule, break your day up into broader blocks of time, allowing for some flexibility. Task prioritization based on impact and urgency. Focus on tasks that truly matter rather than just those that are urgent, using frameworks like the Eisenhower Matrix (Urgent/Important). Focus on tasks that truly matter rather than just those that are urgent, using frameworks like the Eisenhower Matrix (Urgent/Important). Mindfulness and presence. You will become more focused and feel less rushed by cultivating awareness of the present moment. You will become more focused and feel less rushed by cultivating awareness of the present moment. Regular review and reflection. Consider how you spend your time and energy, and adjust your approach accordingly. Consider how you spend your time and energy, and adjust your approach accordingly. Setting realistic expectations. Don't feel pressured to fulfill every commitment and learn to say 'no' to those not aligned with your priorities. Don't feel pressured to fulfill every commitment and learn to say 'no' to those not aligned with your priorities. Batching similar tasks. Grouping similar tasks together can reduce the mental load of switching between them and increase focus. Grouping similar tasks together can reduce the mental load of switching between them and increase focus. Focus on 'deep work.' By setting aside dedicated time for cognitively demanding tasks, one can achieve significantly higher-quality results. By setting aside dedicated time for cognitively demanding tasks, one can achieve significantly higher-quality results. Experimentation and iteration. Recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. You may need to adapt your strategies depending on your individual circumstances and needs. Is planning still important if strict time management isn't the answer? Yes, planning remains valuable. It is, however, more important to focus on intention rather than rigid control when approaching this issue. Rather than creating overly detailed schedules, consider; Setting broad intentions for the day or week. Make a list of the key outcomes you wish to achieve. Make a list of the key outcomes you wish to achieve. Breaking down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps makes them easier to begin and less intimidating. makes them easier to begin and less intimidating. Prioritizing your 'Top 3' for the day. Identify the most important tasks that will move you toward your goals. Identify the most important tasks that will move you toward your goals. Allowing for buffer time. Be flexible in your planning to account for unforeseen events or tasks that take longer than expected. Be flexible in your planning to account for unforeseen events or tasks that take longer than expected. Reviewing and adjusting your plan regularly. Don't be afraid to adjust your plan as your energy levels, priorities, and unforeseen events change. Image Credit: Anna Tarazevich; Pexels The post The Productivity Lie: Why Time Management Fails — and What Actually Works appeared first on Calendar.
National Post
26-05-2025
- Business
- National Post
Schneider Electric Announces Multi-Year Initiative Building an AI-Native Ecosystem for Sustainability and Energy Management
Article content Initiative will build a category-defining, agentic AI ecosystem empowering collaborative intelligence to drive market-leading outcomes & experiences. Reinforces company's leading position at the intersection of digital innovation, energy management and sustainability. Julien Picaud appointed as Head of Product Management. Article content Article content MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today announced a landmark multi-year initiative dedicated to building a new kind of integrated ecosystem for sustainability and energy management, backed by a significant growth model that represents the company's commitment to forward-thinking software and innovation. Article content At the core of this initiative is an emerging artificial intelligence technology known as Agentic AI. These agents are a new kind of software designed to work independently or collaboratively with clients and consultants to anticipate needs and adapt to complex environments in real time, ushering in a new era of simplification and automation in sustainability. Conventional software has historically been used as a tool to help you perform tasks, while this initiative with embedded AI agents that can do work for you, demonstrates the paradigm-shifting nature of an AI-native, agentic software ecosystem. Article content The company's next-generation ecosystem will reimagine energy and sustainability management by serving as both the command center and coordination layer for strategy and decision-making. By embedding AI agents into adaptive workflows that seamlessly integrate with human experts and enterprise systems, it is set to transform disconnected sustainability efforts into an intelligent ecosystem that continuously optimizes outcomes and drives sustainable impact. Article content 'Our vision is collaborative intelligence – agentic AI that works alongside human experts as a true digital teammate,' said Steve Wilhite, president of sustainability business division at Schneider Electric. 'This technology allows us to create a force multiplier effect where complex data analysis and tasks are automated, freeing our clients to focus on the strategic initiatives and innovations that lead to greater impact – a fundamental shift in how organizations can accelerate on their energy and decarbonization journeys.' Article content Schneider Electric has appointed Julien Picaud as head of product management to lead this initiative. Picaud comes to Schneider Electric with a background in strategic leadership and product management, and a focus on digital innovation and AI-focused initiatives that enhance business performance and intelligent resource and emissions management. Picaud will spearhead the investment which will reimagine core functionality from the company's existing software platforms while debuting new features from the recent acquisition of leading sustainability firm EcoAct, including: Article content Schneider Electric is the world's leading provider of solutions for the energy transition and is backed by more than two decades of helping thousands of multinational corporations worldwide to achieve their energy and sustainability goals. This market-leading expertise underpins the new ecosystem and will enable clients to benefit from the company's breadth and depth, bringing together the very best in both human and artificial intelligence. Article content 'In specialized fields like energy and sustainability, agentic AI is only as effective as the depth of domain expertise embedded in its design,' sa id Amy Cravens, research director of sustainability and ESG software at IDC. 'Guided by decades of experience with a team of deep, domain-level consulting expertise, Schneider Electric is creating an agentic AI ecosystem that sets a new standard for sustainability management—equipping organizations to meet increasingly complex challenges. This next generation agentic AI will readily transform information management into actionable systems of the future.' Article content Schneider Electric's globally recognized leadership in sustainability and ethics—ranked the World's Most Sustainable Company by Corporate Knights and a 14-time honouree as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies—provides a strong foundation for pursuing this investment responsibly. Article content 'Recognizing the energy intensity of AI, we are committed to developing and deploying this investment with a focus on computational efficiency and responsible resource usage,' said Dan Whitsell, CTO and head of software engineering for the sustainability business division at Schneider Electric. 'By integrating the principles of frugal AI, we are designing systems that deliver maximum intelligence with minimal resource consumption. This means leveraging leaner models, efficient algorithms, and optimized infrastructure to reduce energy use, emissions and costs without sacrificing performance.' Article content The announcement builds upon the company's proven track record of AI innovation, spanning Resource Advisor Copilot for enterprise sustainability insights, a global AI hub saving $15M in optimization, 18+ AI patents, and a strategic partnership with Nvidia to prioritize efficiency and sustainability in data center infrastructure at scale. Article content Schneider's purpose is to create Impact by empowering all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. At Schneider, we call this Life Is On. Our mission is to be the trusted partner in Sustainability and Efficiency. We are a global industrial technology leader bringing world-leading expertise in electrification, automation and digitization to smart industries, resilient infrastructure, future-proof data centers, intelligent buildings, and intuitive homes. Anchored by our deep domain expertise, we provide integrated end-to-end lifecycle AI enabled Industrial IoT solutions with connected products, automation, software and services, delivering digital twins to enable profitable growth for our customers. We are a people company with an ecosystem of 150,000 colleagues and more than a million partners operating in over 100 countries to ensure proximity to our customers and stakeholders. Learn more at or follow them on Instagram, X, Facebook, and LinkedIn at @SchneiderElectricCA. For media resources, visit Schneider Electric's online newsroom, Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content For more information: Article content Jodi Smith-Meisner Schneider Electric Canada Article content Article content Article content
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Schneider Electric Announces Multi-Year Initiative Building an AI-Native Ecosystem for Sustainability and Energy Management
Initiative will build a category-defining, agentic AI ecosystem empowering collaborative intelligence to drive market-leading outcomes & experiences. Reinforces company's leading position at the intersection of digital innovation, energy management and sustainability. Julien Picaud appointed as Head of Product Management. MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, May 26, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today announced a landmark multi-year initiative dedicated to building a new kind of integrated ecosystem for sustainability and energy management, backed by a significant growth model that represents the company's commitment to forward-thinking software and innovation. At the core of this initiative is an emerging artificial intelligence technology known as Agentic AI. These agents are a new kind of software designed to work independently or collaboratively with clients and consultants to anticipate needs and adapt to complex environments in real time, ushering in a new era of simplification and automation in sustainability. Conventional software has historically been used as a tool to help you perform tasks, while this initiative with embedded AI agents that can do work for you, demonstrates the paradigm-shifting nature of an AI-native, agentic software ecosystem. The company's next-generation ecosystem will reimagine energy and sustainability management by serving as both the command center and coordination layer for strategy and decision-making. By embedding AI agents into adaptive workflows that seamlessly integrate with human experts and enterprise systems, it is set to transform disconnected sustainability efforts into an intelligent ecosystem that continuously optimizes outcomes and drives sustainable impact. "Our vision is collaborative intelligence - agentic AI that works alongside human experts as a true digital teammate," said Steve Wilhite, president of sustainability business division at Schneider Electric. "This technology allows us to create a force multiplier effect where complex data analysis and tasks are automated, freeing our clients to focus on the strategic initiatives and innovations that lead to greater impact - a fundamental shift in how organizations can accelerate on their energy and decarbonization journeys." Schneider Electric has appointed Julien Picaud as head of product management to lead this initiative. Picaud comes to Schneider Electric with a background in strategic leadership and product management, and a focus on digital innovation and AI-focused initiatives that enhance business performance and intelligent resource and emissions management. Picaud will spearhead the investment which will reimagine core functionality from the company's existing software platforms while debuting new features from the recent acquisition of leading sustainability firm EcoAct, including: Decarbonization strategy Scenario analysis Benchmarking Emissions management Reporting and compliance Climate risk Value chain engagement Energy management Resource efficiency Data integration, automation and visualization Modernized user experience Schneider Electric is the world's leading provider of solutions for the energy transition and is backed by more than two decades of helping thousands of multinational corporations worldwide to achieve their energy and sustainability goals. This market-leading expertise underpins the new ecosystem and will enable clients to benefit from the company's breadth and depth, bringing together the very best in both human and artificial intelligence. "In specialized fields like energy and sustainability, agentic AI is only as effective as the depth of domain expertise embedded in its design," said Amy Cravens, research director of sustainability and ESG software at IDC. "Guided by decades of experience with a team of deep, domain-level consulting expertise, Schneider Electric is creating an agentic AI ecosystem that sets a new standard for sustainability management—equipping organizations to meet increasingly complex challenges. This next generation agentic AI will readily transform information management into actionable systems of the future." Schneider Electric's globally recognized leadership in sustainability and ethics—ranked the World's Most Sustainable Company by Corporate Knights and a 14-time honouree as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies—provides a strong foundation for pursuing this investment responsibly. "Recognizing the energy intensity of AI, we are committed to developing and deploying this investment with a focus on computational efficiency and responsible resource usage," said Dan Whitsell, CTO and head of software engineering for the sustainability business division at Schneider Electric. "By integrating the principles of frugal AI, we are designing systems that deliver maximum intelligence with minimal resource consumption. This means leveraging leaner models, efficient algorithms, and optimized infrastructure to reduce energy use, emissions and costs without sacrificing performance." The announcement builds upon the company's proven track record of AI innovation, spanning Resource Advisor Copilot for enterprise sustainability insights, a global AI hub saving $15M in optimization, 18+ AI patents, and a strategic partnership with Nvidia to prioritize efficiency and sustainability in data center infrastructure at scale. About Schneider Electric Schneider's purpose is to create Impact by empowering all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. At Schneider, we call this Life Is On. Our mission is to be the trusted partner in Sustainability and Efficiency. We are a global industrial technology leader bringing world-leading expertise in electrification, automation and digitization to smart industries, resilient infrastructure, future-proof data centers, intelligent buildings, and intuitive homes. Anchored by our deep domain expertise, we provide integrated end-to-end lifecycle AI enabled Industrial IoT solutions with connected products, automation, software and services, delivering digital twins to enable profitable growth for our customers. We are a people company with an ecosystem of 150,000 colleagues and more than a million partners operating in over 100 countries to ensure proximity to our customers and stakeholders. Learn more at or follow them on Instagram, X, Facebook, and LinkedIn at @SchneiderElectricCA. For media resources, visit Schneider Electric's online newsroom, View source version on Contacts For more information: Jodi Smith-MeisnerSchneider Electric Samiha FarihaSchneider Electric Canada1-647-268-6687sfariha@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CNET
22-05-2025
- CNET
6 Smart Home Gadgets I Can't Stop Using This Year
Some products I just can't put down -- even after I'm finished reviewing them. What better sign of a great smart home gadget than finding myself still using it months later? And now that I've used them over an extended period of time, I have even more to say about their battery life, updates and long-term performance. This year, I've reviewed many home tech and home security devices, from cams and leak sensors to smoke detectors and pet fountains. Here's what I'm still using around my house, and why these products stuck around. Emporia smart plug Emporia's smart plug on a wood table. Tyler Lacoma/CNET The classic smart plug is a simple affair, a plug-in device that can automate and schedule on-off features for whatever you plug into it, like a lamp, coffeemaker or fountain. Emporia's model is a plug (15A) that goes a step beyond with its in-depth energy management functions, helping you save on electricity use. The smart plug even has a largely unique feature that lets you tailor on-off functions to match non-peak electricity usage hours. If your utility charges more for peak hour use, that's an easy way to save money on larger appliances. Plus, you can always go in and examine detailed charts of energy use by the hour, day, week or month. I also like how you can quickly sign in with logins like your Google account so setup is fairly effortless. I have been using this smart plug on a standalone heater, but it's time for a switch soon, possible to an air purifier to see just how much electricity it's using throughout the day. The possibilities are everywhere with a plug like this. Aqara Climate Sensor W100 Aqara's sensor is portable, useful and has many automation options I'm still experimenting with. Tyler Lacoma/CNET I'm already a fan of satellite sensors for smart thermostats, which let the thermostat react to the temperature in what specific spot the sensor is placed. But this Aqara climate sensor does even more. Right out of the box it starts sensing temperature and humidity wherever you put it. That's great for checking air quality levels in spots where I'm curious about monitoring conditions, like the bedroom. The sensor is also Matter-ready for broad compatibility with Apple Home, Alexa and Google Home if you don't want to use the Aqara app. With compatible devices (like an Aqara thermostat or compatibility smart plug) it can also trigger certain automations, a feature I'm excited about and still experimenting with, working to connect it to my thermostat or supported smart plug humidifier. I'm also interested to see what information the sensor offers as seasons change, such a room that gets particularly dry or too hot in the summer. Google Nest Cam floodlight The Google Nest floodlight cam is so useful I haven't bothered taking it down yet. Tyler Lacoma/CNET I originally started testing the Google Nest Cam floodlight model in conjunction with my review of the ADT Plus security platform. That testing and the ADT system are long gone, but I kept on using the Nest Cam floodlight in my backyard via the Google Home app (where I can also see my doorbell at the same time). The LED brightness was easy to manage (and very bright at higher settings), the magnetic base made the cam simple to angle in just the right way, and Google's free AI object detection remains one of my favorites. What's not to love? Well, fair warning -- you do need to wire the camera in, and wiring work on a ladder isn't exactly fun so prepare accordingly. Also, this is a particularly pricey high-end camera: You get what you pay for, but you may also think about waiting until a sale brings it down to around $200. Echo Show 8 (3rd gen) A smart display can do far more than just timers -- but it's so handy! Tyler Lacoma/CNET What makes a smart display any better than a smart speaker if you don't plan on watching many videos? For me, it's the on-display information I can check at a glance. In the kitchen, where my Echo Show 8 lives, that usually means checking recipe details or juggling multiple timers so I can see how much time is left with just a look, something a speaker just can't do. Also, those extra video features can grow on you. Watching a news roundup in the morning while grabbing tea or coffee can become an easy habit. The same is true of sports highlights, a music video you really want to see or a social media you have to see to get the joke. If you're more app-focused around the house, setting up an iPad also works well (it's just more expensive). SnapPower Guidelight 2 nightlight These outlets come in a variety of designs and shades to match your home, too. SnapPower When I first experimented with this auto-dimming nightlight, I assumed I'd go back to my old nightlight after I finished. But the Guidelight 2 kept on being a useful light. Built into the outlet cover itself, it frees up an outlet for use (for a laptop charger, in my case). The dimming function means the LED lights only turn on as it starts getting dark, and will brighten the darker the room grows. The original LED light was a little harsh, but there's a tiny switch to change it to a warmer color that's ideal for a home nightlight. I was left without any complaints. SwitchBot leak detector SwitchBot's leak detector is a little larger, but Wi-Fi ready and easy to place within minutes. Tyler Lacoma/CNET I've always been a fan of leak detectors that perform a quiet but serious service in homes and connect to apps for remote alerts so you know if there's something wrong even when you aren't at home. That's useful for any kind of flooding, but my SwitchBot version has a permanent place under the kitchen sink, where I've had leaking problems before. SwitchBot's model is a little bulky compared to some detectors, but it has an onboard siren as well as a Wi-Fi connection for the app, and it's simple to set up. Once it's in place, I don't have to worry about it until the worst happens -- or I get a replace battery alert in a few years. If we've whetted your smart home appetite, stop by our guides for the best smart home devices, check out how much a smart thermostat can save you and learn what the best home security cameras are.
Zawya
20-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Schneider Electric hosts "Innovation Talks" in Madinah
As the Kingdom Prepares for Hajj Season 1446 AH Schneider Electric technologies enhance energy management, efficiency and guest safety within the hotel sector Madinah reports significant tourism growth in 2024, welcoming approximately 18 million visitors, a record increase of 140% in the past decade Schneider Electric, a leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has convened 'Innovation Talks' in Madinah, specifically targeting the hospitality and hotel sector. This initiative underscores the company's commitment to supporting high-growth-potential segments within the Kingdom, presenting Schneider Electric's latest solutions and innovations tailored to this vital industry. Madinah, a city of profound religious and historical significance and cultural value, has experienced remarkable growth in visitor numbers, with reports indicating approximately 18 million visitors in 2024, marking a record 140% increase over the past decade. The "Innovation Talks" in Madinah welcomed high-level attendees, including Schneider Electric's local leadership team, and drew a diverse audience of the company's customers and strategic partners within the hotel management sector. During the event, Schneider Electric showcased a range of advanced solutions for the hospitality and hotel sector, including final distribution boards, wiring devices, advanced lighting and room control solutions, emergency lighting systems, comprehensive building management systems, highly efficient low-voltage switchgears, and EV chargers. These technologies are designed to enable optimal operational management and exceptional energy efficiency in hotels, while enhancing guest safety and security for during their stay in Madinah. By integrating these smart solutions, hotels can significantly reduce energy costs and minimize their environmental footprint, a crucial objective amidst the rapid expansion of Madinah's hospitality segment. The number of licensed hotel rooms has increased by 62%, reaching 62,000, while the average length of stay has prolonged from two days in 2019 to over ten days currently, positioning Madinah the second most visited city in the Kingdom after Makkah. These innovative solutions are fully aligned with the Kingdom's vision to ensure the quality of services provided to visitors by operators of tourist facilities and activities, and they also resonate with Schneider Electric's strategy to promote sustainable development and elevate the visitor experience in the Kingdom's hospitality sector. Commenting on the event, Mohamed Nagy – Vice President of Distribution for KSA, Pakistan, Yemen & Bahrain at Schneider Electric, said: "Madinah holds a strategic importance as one of the world's top 100 tourist destinations, attracting significant investment in the hospitality and tourism segment, consequently, supporting local economic growth. As a committed strategic partner in the realization of Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030 objectives, Schneider Electric is committed to enhancing and developing its advanced solutions and technologies to empower the hospitality and hotel sector in Madinah, enabling it to prepare effectively for this anticipated growth and to achieve the highest levels of efficiency and sustainability." He added: "Schneider Electric is dedicated to driving digital transformation and promoting sustainable practices across key sectors. This commitment is evident in the 'Innovation Talks' series held in various cities and targeting diverse industries to showcase the latest solutions and technologies that contribute to achieving our company's goals and advancing sustainable development throughout the Kingdom." The "Innovation Talks" initiative emphasizes Schneider Electric's steadfast commitment to developing and fortifying its partner network, a cornerstone of its deeply rooted strategy to effectively penetrate all markets and address customer requirements. Through these engagements, the company seeks to enhance direct communication channels and cultivate stronger relationships with its partners, thereby facilitating wider access to its advanced products and solutions for an expanded base of consumers and clients. This objective is realized through a growing network of distributors and retailers across various cities and regions within the Kingdom, contributing to sustainable development goals within Saudi Arabia's hospitality and hotel sector. During the "Innovation Talks" event, attendees highlighted the rapid growth Madinah is experiencing, underpinned by a substantial increase in expenditure exceeding SAR 50 billion. With the value of projects within the city surpassing SAR 2 billion, a compelling need exists for the development of innovative solutions that optimize operational efficiency and reduce costs across various segments, including hospitality and hotels. This growing economic momentum is expected to generate promising employment opportunities in the services, hospitality, transportation, and tourism events sectors, significantly boosting the overall economic cycle in the region. Schneider Electric boasts a rich legacy of over 40 years of successful operations in the Saudi market, supported by a diverse and growing portfolio of assets and a wide geographic presence across various cities and regions of the Kingdom. The company continues its journey with the "Innovation Talks" series held throughout the Kingdom, the most recent in Riyadh, focusing on datacenters. At this event, Schneider Electric presented integrated solutions to support national efforts toward digital transformation and achieving the goals of Vision 2030 by deploying the latest technologies and innovations available in the local market. About Schneider Electric Schneider's purpose is to empower all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. We call this Life Is On. Our mission is to be your digital partner for Sustainability and Efficiency. We are a global industrial technology leader bringing world-leading expertise in electrification, automation and digitization to smart industries, resilient infrastructure, future-proof data centers, intelligent buildings, and intuitive homes. Anchored by our deep domain expertise, we provide integrated end-to-end lifecycle AI enabled Industrial IoT solutions with connected products, automation, software and services, delivering digital twins to enable profitable growth for our customers. 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